Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. HISTORY AWAITS SHANI DAVIS IN THE 1,000 METERS
The American speedskater relishes a chance to burnish his Olympic legacy with a record third straight gold medal.
2. REPUBLICAN WINS SAN DIEGO MAYOR SPECIAL ELECTION
A city councilman is elected mayor of America’s eighth-largest city in a special election to fill the unexpired term of disgraced former Mayor Bob Filner.
3. WHY AN ICE STORM CAUSES SO MUCH DAMAGE IN THE SOUTH
The region has many trees hanging over utility lines. Ice buildup causes limbs to snap, knocking out power.
4. DEBT CEILING NO LONGER BINDS THE GOP
Republican disunity means the party can no longer take a hard line on the issue and force Obama to negotiate.
5. WHERE HOLLANDE SAT AT WHITE HOUSE STATE DINNER
President, Michelle Obama find just the right seat for the French president traveling solo after breaking up with the first lady – between them.
6. CASTAWAY SAILOR BACK HOME IN EL SALVADOR
Two weeks after washing ashore in Marshall Islands, Jose Salvador Alvarenga meets with crush of journalists but can’t find the words to speak.
7. LA CITY COUNCIL MAY VOTE TO ALLOW URBAN BEEKEEPING
Proponents say warm climate, diverse flora make City of Angels the perfect place to rejuvenate bee populations.
8. AIR FORCE CONSIDERING OLD PROPOSALS TO FIX MISSILE SECURITY LAPSES
But the new effort may work because it’s more far-reaching, on a tight timetable and has Defense Secretary Hagel’s backing.
9. WIRE FOX TERRIER WINS WESTMINSTER SHOW A RECORD 14TH TIME
Sky, a 5-year-old, beats a standard poodle named Ally to win the 138th show. A bloodhound named Nathan was the crowd’s favorite.
10. WHAT MICHAEL JORDAN IS CELEBRATING BESIDES HIS TEAM’S IMPROVED PLAY
His wife, Yvette, has given birth to identical twin daughters. Victoria and Ysabel were born Sunday in Florida.